Evolving strategies of cytotoxic chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer

Despite the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer for half a century, its clinical utility in this setting remains undefined. Based on traditional methods of assessment, the list of the most active cytotoxic agents includes cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone and cisplatin. With the introduction of more structured methods of assessment, including careful assessment of indices of quality of life and serial measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the role of cytotoxic agents is being re-assessed. In view of the cell cycle characteristics of prostate cancer, there appears to be an emerging role for combination inhibitors of mitosis, including estramustine in combination with the vinca alkaloids, etoposide or paclitaxel.